Joe Cole fumes at ‘Torrid’ Everton ace Vitalii Mykolenko after performance in Ukraine 2-0 loss v England
Everton defender Vitalii Mykolenko was singled out for a “torrid” showing in Ukraine’s 2-0 loss to England by Joe Cole on Sunday evening (26 March).
The left-back started for his nation once again but had a rough game against the in-form Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, who notched a goal and assist at the expense of the Toffees defender.
And speaking after the game live on Channel 4 (26 March, 19:05), former Chelsea midfielder Cole made sure to point out to the world that Mykolenko struggled over the course of the 90 minutes against the winger.
“He’s [Saka] so tough to mark, and Mykolenko the left-back had a torrid night tonight, like so many other left-backs have,” he said.
Ouch
There’s no doubting that Mykolenko has been a good signing since arriving in January 2022, but in recent months he has seemingly lost his way a little bit.
He’s been at his best when marauding down the left and whipping crosses in with his left-foot, but when asked to do the grittier side of the game and defend more he does have issues.
It’s probably no surprise that in recent weeks at Goodison Park he has lost his place in the side to Ben Godfrey, who is a more physically imposing defender despite not being a natural left-footer or full-back.
Mykolenko should have been trying to use this international break as a way to play himself back into form, but it hasn’t really gone to plan for him and by having a poor showing against England it’s likely gone the other way and convinced Dyche that he’s making the right call in not starting him.
He will be needed at some point in the relegation battle between now and the end of the season for Everton, especially with injuries occurring, but he faces a battle on his hands to get that starting spot back any time soon.